Marine Biology: Marine Vertebrates and Invertebrates - Semester Course

In this semester course, we will learn about Marine Biology: Marine Vertebrates. What are the Ocean's most diverse vertebrates? What are the interactions amongst species? What are some of the most fascinating invertebrates on the ocean? Which are some of the most interesting animal adaptations? How do animals behave and why? What does marine conservation do to protect our oceans and planet? Find the answers to these questions and many more in " Marine Biology: Marine Vertebrates and Invertebrates". We will engage in a marine biology project: create our own marine vertebrate or invertebrate.

We will meet two times a week for twelve weeks. 

During the course, each student will create their own marine vertebrate or invertebrate based on what they learn, covering habitat, behavior, interactions, food webs, marine conservation and their own imagination. They will get to present their species in class.
My classes offer a unique opportunity to participate asking or answering questions and discussing different topics that we will see in each class. Participation is optional and students can use the chat too. 

I will share my own presentations, videos, photos and my own experience as a marine biologist and scuba dive instructor. 

My classes are designed to encourage student engagement and follow their curiosity. There are no prerequisites for this class.

Class One – Introduction to Marine biology Vertebrates
Class Two – Introduction to Marine Vertebrates: Classification, form and function.
Class Three – Jawless Fish: Class Agnatha.
Class Four –  Chimaeras:Class Chondrichthyes
Class Five – Sharks:Class Chondrichthyes
Class Six – Rays:Class Chondrichthyes
Class Seven – Hagfish: Class Myxini
Class Eight – Bony fish: Class Osteichthyes: Sturgeons and Paddlefishes
Class Nine – Bony fish: Class Osteichthyes: Gars and common fishes
Class Ten – Bony fish: Class Osteichthyes: Lobed-finned fishes
Class Eleven –  Marine Reptiles: Order Squamata: marine iguanas and sea snakes
Class Twelve – Marine Reptiles: Order Crocodilia: saltwater crocodiles 
Class Thirteen – Marine Reptiles: Order Testudines: sea turtles 
Class Fourteen – Sea Birds: Class Aves
Class Fifteen: Sea Birds: Class Aves II
Class Sixteen: Cetaceans: Whales
Class Seventeen: Cetaceans: Whales II
Class Eighteen: Cetaceans: Dolphins
Class Nineteen- Cetaceans: Dolphins II
Class Twenty- Cetaceans: Porpoises
Class Twenty one- Order Carnivora: Pinnipeds: sea lions and seals
Class Twenty two- Order Carnivora: Pinnipeds: elephant seals and walruses
Class Twenty three- Order Carnivora: Polar bears and sea otters
Class Twenty four- Order Sirenia: Manatees and dugongs